Six Sigma
De facto standard for data-driven process improvement
RoHS
EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical equipment
Quick Verdict
Six Sigma drives voluntary process excellence via DMAIC across industries for cost savings; RoHS mandates hazardous substance limits in EEE for EU market access, enforced by fines and recalls. Companies adopt Six Sigma for efficiency, RoHS for legal compliance.
Six Sigma
ISO 13053:2011 Six Sigma Quantitative Methods
Key Features
- DMAIC structured improvement methodology with tollgates
- Belt hierarchy from White to Master Black Belt
- Data-driven statistical root cause verification
- 3.4 defects per million opportunities benchmark
- Control plans and SPC for gain sustainment
RoHS
Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2)
Key Features
- Restricts 10 hazardous substances in homogeneous materials
- Open scope applies to all EEE unless excluded
- Requires technical file and EU Declaration of Conformity
- Time-limited exemptions via delegated directives
- Tiered testing with IEC 62321 methods (XRF, ICP-MS)
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
Six Sigma Details
What It Is
Six Sigma is a de facto management framework (ISO 13053:2011 provides partial formalization) focused on reducing process variation and defects through data-driven decisions. Its primary scope spans manufacturing, services, healthcare, and finance, using DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) or DMADV methodologies.
Key Components
- Structured DMAIC lifecycle with tollgates and deliverables like charters, SIPOC, FMEA.
- Belt roles: Champions, Master Black Belts, Black/Green Belts.
- Metrics: DPMO, sigma levels, capability indices (Cp/Cpk).
- Tools: Gage R&R, DOE, SPC, control plans.
- Certification via ASQ/IASSC with project experience.
Why Organizations Use It
Delivers financial savings (e.g., GE $1B+), risk reduction, customer CTQ alignment. Voluntary but strategic for competitiveness; boosts reputation via proven ROI and leadership buy-in.
Implementation Overview
Phased deployment: executive alignment, training, project portfolio, DMAIC execution, sustainment audits. Suits all sizes/industries; requires 4-6 month projects, full program 12+ months.
RoHS Details
What It Is
RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU, recast as RoHS 2) is an EU regulation restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to protect health and environment during waste management. It uses an open-scope approach (all EEE unless excluded) with homogeneous material concentration limits and risk-based compliance.
Key Components
- Restricts 10 substances (e.g., lead, mercury, phthalates) at 0.1% (Cd 0.01%) in homogeneous materials.
- Annexes III/IV for time-limited exemptions.
- Requires technical documentation, EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and CE marking.
- Built on IEC 63000 for documentation and IEC 62321 for testing; no central certification, self-declared compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access; avoids fines, recalls.
- Enhances supply chain governance, recyclability, ESG reporting.
- Reduces risks from exemptions expiry, surveillance; builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping, gap analysis, supplier controls, testing (XRF/ICP-MS), technical files. Applies to EEE manufacturers/importers globally; suits all sizes, complex for large portfolios. Market surveillance audits enforce.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Six Sigma | RoHS |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Process improvement, variation reduction, DMAIC methodology | Hazardous substances restriction in EEE materials |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any size | EEE manufacturers, EU-focused, global variants |
| Nature | Voluntary methodology, certifications vary | Mandatory EU regulation, market access requirement |
| Testing | Statistical analysis, MSA, no mandatory certification | XRF/ICP-MS material testing, technical documentation |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, project failure risks | Fines, recalls, market bans by authorities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Six Sigma and RoHS
Six Sigma FAQ
RoHS FAQ
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